Former Las Vegas Democratic politician Robert Telles is on trial for the murder of investigative journalist Jeff German, who had written critical stories about Telles and his office. Telles denies the charges and claims he was framed for the crime. Prosecutors presented evidence of hundreds of photos taken from Telles’ cell phone and computer, including images of German’s home and neighborhood, as well as his work computer with internet searches for German’s personal information. The evidence suggests that Telles had been researching German weeks before the killing.
The trial also heard testimony from Las Vegas police homicide investigator Detective Justine Gatus, who described how the articles written by German about Telles and his office were not flattering. Telles had publicly criticized German and the articles as false depictions of his efforts to fight corruption. The evidence presented included a photo of a gray sneaker with a Nike logo that was found at German’s home, identical to one seen in security camera images of a figure in an orange shirt entering the side yard where German was later found dead. A shoe matching the description, along with pieces of the sneaker bearing blood, was found at Telles’ home after his arrest.
Jeff German was a respected investigative journalist with deep confidential sources in Las Vegas, covering topics such as organized crime, government corruption, and political scandals. His work spanned over four decades, first at the Las Vegas Sun and then at the Las Vegas Review-Journal. German was brutally murdered in September 2022, and Telles is accused of lying in wait for him outside his home. Telles, originally from El Paso, Texas, faces the possibility of life in prison if found guilty. His law license was suspended after his arrest, and he lost his elected position as Clark County administrator of estates.
Prosecutors claim to have strong evidence against Telles, including DNA believed to be from Telles found under German’s fingernails, cut-up pieces of a straw hat and shoes matching those seen in video footage outside German’s home, and a maroon SUV similar to one seen outside Telles’ home after the killing. Telles, who ran as a Democrat in 2018, has remained in jail as he prepares to face the jury. His defense attorney, Robert Draskovich, has indicated that Telles intends to testify in his own defense. Telles maintains his innocence and argues that the evidence against him is circumstantial.
The trial has shed light on the tense relationship between Telles and German, marked by critical articles, social media attacks, and public disputes. Telles’ alleged research on German’s home and personal information in the weeks leading up to the murder raises suspicions about his involvement. The jury heard testimony from digital forensics experts, witnesses to Telles’ activities, and investigators linking Telles to the crime scene. As the trial continues, the prosecution seeks to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Telles is responsible for the murder of Jeff German, a veteran journalist whose work exposed corruption and wrongdoing in Las Vegas.
